Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges affecting students, and it can have a negative impact on academic success. Different types of anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias, may present in various ways within the school environment.

Students with GAD often experience excessive worry about schoolwork, performance, and everyday situations. Social anxiety may cause intense fear of speaking in class, group work, or even attending school, leading to avoidance behaviours. Test anxiety or specific phobias can cause distress during exams or in certain classroom settings.

Anxiety symptoms can mimic other conditions. For example, students with anxiety may appear inattentive or restless, similar to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Others might seem withdrawn or unmotivated, which can be mistaken for depression or behavioural concerns. Students with social anxiety may appear disconnected from others seem asocial, and avoid certain classroom activities. These overlapping symptoms can make it challenging to identify the root cause of academic struggles.

Anxiety can interfere with concentration, memory, and task completion, making it difficult for students to learn and demonstrate their abilities. They may avoid participating in class, struggle to complete assignments, or experience physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches that lead to frequent absences.

Measuring mental health as part of a psychoeducational assessment is crucial. Comprehensive evaluations help distinguish anxiety from other learning or behavioural disorders and inform targeted interventions. Early identification and support can help students manage their symptoms and reach their full academic potential.

(this blog post was created with the help of AI)

Do you have a disability and need support?

To further promote Mental Health Week from May 4-10, 2026, Litco Law provides a “Guide to Dealing with Disabilities in Canada”

The Litco Law guide provides an overview of legal definitions, protections, and resources for individuals with disabilities in Canada. It explains how Canadian law defines disability and outlines key protections under the Canadian Human Rights Act, provincial human rights codes, and employment standards legislation. The guide highlights the duty to accommodate in workplaces, schools, and public services, emphasizing that employers and service providers must make reasonable efforts to support individuals with disabilities. It also discusses the importance of accessibility, anti-discrimination measures, and the role of government and community supports. The resource offers practical advice for navigating legal rights, accessing benefits, and advocating for accommodations, making it a helpful reference for Canadians seeking information on disability-related needs.

May 4-10, 2026 is MENTAL HEALTH WEEK! This is a national event organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association designed to bring awareness, connection, and support to all Canadians about mental health challenges. 

The British Columbia Psychologists' Association (BCPA) will be launching two new podcasts during mental health week on Impacts of Self-Abandonment (May 5) and Anxiety Unpacked (May 7). 

If you or someone you love needs support for mental health, please contact your local CMHA branch. If you are thinking of suicide or worried about someone you know who might be thinking of suicide, please call or text 9-9-8 toll free and anytime for support. 

Every child's brain is unique and learns in its own way. Sometimes, very bright children struggle with reading, writing, or math. When these challenges continue even with good teaching, they are called learning differences or learning disabilities.
 
Let's look at the three most common learning differences: dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Future posts will talk about other factors that can make it hard to learn (e.g., attention, anxiety).
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Dyslexia: Challenges with Reading and Spelling
What is it?
Dyslexia makes it hard to read words smoothly and spell them correctly. It is a very common learning difference that affects how the brain processes language. Groups like Dyslexia Canada and the International Dyslexia Association explain that dyslexia does not mean a child is not smart. In fact, these children are often very clever and creative. It just means reading and spelling take a lot more effort and time.
What parents might notice:
·       Difficulty matching letters to the sounds they make.
·       Reading slowly or making many mistakes while reading.
·       Trouble spelling words, even after practicing them many times.
·       Guessing at words based only on the first letter.
·       Getting tired or frustrated when reading out loud.
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Dysgraphia: Challenges with Writing
What is it?
Dysgraphia is a learning difference that affects writing. This includes both the physical act of handwriting and the ability to put thoughts onto paper. For a child with dysgraphia, it takes a massive amount of energy to make letters, which leaves less brainpower for thinking about what to write.
What parents might notice:
·       Handwriting that is messy, uneven, or hard to read.
·       Holding a pencil in an awkward way or complaining that their hand hurts.
·       Mixing up capital and lowercase letters in the middle of words.
·       Struggling to write sentences down, even when they can say their ideas perfectly.
·       Taking a very long time to write just a few words.
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Dyscalculia: Challenges with Math
What is it?
Dyscalculia is a learning difference that makes it hard to understand numbers and math. Just like dyslexia is not about a lack of intelligence, dyscalculia has nothing to do with how smart a child is. Children with dyscalculia struggle with "number sense." This means they have trouble understanding quantities and how numbers work together.
What parents might notice:
·       Trouble understanding concepts like "more" or "less."
·       Counting on fingers for simple math, long after other kids have stopped.
·       Difficulty remembering basic math facts, like 5 + 5 = 10.
·       Trouble telling time on a clock with hands or understanding schedules.
·       Finding it hard to play games that require counting or keeping score.
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Every child can learn and thrive when they get the right support. A psychoeducational assessment will provide the roadmap to help understand your child's learning needs. If you notice your child struggling with any of these skills, reach out to Dr. Brooks (psychologist) for a no obligation free consultation call.
 
Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC: Author. Note: This is the primary manual used for diagnosing Specific Learning Disorders in reading (dyslexia), written expression (dysgraphia), and mathematics (dyscalculia).
• Dyslexia Canada. (n.d.). What is Dyslexia? Retrieved from https://www.dyslexiacanada.org Note: This organization provides national advocacy and up-to-date resources for Canadian families and professionals.
• International Dyslexia Association. (2002). Definition of Dyslexia. Retrieved from https://dyslexiaida.org Note: This definition was adopted by the IDA Board of Directors and is the most widely cited definition of dyslexia globally.
• Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). (n.d.). Types of Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from https://ldaamerica.org Note: A key resource for detailed breakdowns of dysgraphia and dyscalculia symptoms and support strategies.

Your child may be eligible for a study conducted by Dr. LeMoult in the Depression, Anxiety, & Stress Laboratory within the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. If you live in the Vancouver area, have a child between 10-12 years, and are interested in learning more, please scan the QR code below! 

​Are you a teacher, educator, or administrator in Alberta or British Columbia who has students with dyslexia?

Dyslexia Canada is offering a free Dyslexia Awareness kit! Educators can request a FREE Classroom Kit filled with materials for your students to take home. They’ve included stickers and bookmarks for your students, along with samples of their print resources.

Also, you can use the Dyslexia Canada customizable slide deck to create a presentation for your classroom or gathering.

Do you know a child who is struggling with reading or writing? Do they need a psychoeducational assessment to properly diagnose and support formal accommodations? Dr. Brian Brooks is a neuropsychologist with 20 years of experience providing assessments and recommendations for learning disabilities, with offices in Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia

Positive Impact of Sleep on Cognitive Function:
 
Memory Consolidation:
Sleep, especially REM sleep, is crucial for consolidating memories learned during the day, making it easier to retrieve and use them later.
 
Improved Attention and Focus:
Well-rested individuals exhibit better attention spans, focus, and concentration, which are essential for learning and performing tasks effectively.
 
Enhanced Decision-Making:
Sleep deprivation can impair decision-making abilities, leading to poor judgment and slower reaction times.
 
Emotional Regulation:
Adequate sleep helps regulate emotions, reducing irritability and improving the ability to cope with stress.
 
Brain Plasticity:
Sleep is vital for "brain plasticity," the brain's ability to adapt to input and learn new information.
 
Brain Waste Clearance:
During sleep, the brain clears away metabolic waste products that accumulate during the day, which is important for overall brain health.
 
Improved Learning and Memory:
Sleep allows the brain to process information, consolidate memories, and undergo maintenance processes that help us function during the daytime.
 
Negative Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Function:
 
Impaired Memory:
Sleep deprivation can lead to difficulty remembering things, difficulty learning and concentrating, reduced decision-making ability, and poor emotional and behavioral control.
 
Reduced Attention and Focus:
Lack of sleep impairs attention, concentration, and reaction times, making it difficult to perform tasks effectively.
 
Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline:
Chronic sleep deprivation may increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
 
Mood Changes:
Sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, mood swings, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
 
Reduced Creativity:
Sleep deprivation can negatively impact creative and innovative aspects of cognition.
 
Difficulty Making Decisions:
Sleep deprivation can impair decision-making abilities, leading to poor judgment and slower reaction times.

2025 Educational Excellence AwardNominations Now Open!

(From Dyslexia Canada)
Beginning February 14th, you can nominate an individual or publicly funded organization to receive a Dyslexia Canada 2025 Educational Excellence Award.

Dyslexia Canada is looking for nominees working in a publicly funded setting who have:

• Raised awareness of dyslexia within their school communities
• Championed evidence-based reading instruction for all students
• Advocated for early screening of dyslexia and reading challenges
• Implemented impactful interventions to support student success
  
  

This is your chance to shine a spotlight on those who are making a real difference! Submit your nomination through the online form and help Dyslexia Canada celebrate the dedication, innovation, and leadership driving change for students with dyslexia.

Last year Dyslexia Canada was honoured to present awards to educators across Canada who are making a difference in supporting children with dyslexia. You can review their stories here.

Nominate yourself or someone you know.

Nominations will be open from February 14th - March 14th, 2025.

Click here to learn more from Dyslexia Canada about the award and nominations